21Feb

Anger: A Complex Emotion

“When anger rises, think of the consequences.” -Confucius Anger is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences. At times everyone feels annoyed, frustrated, irritated or angry. Anger can be expressed by shouting, swearing, or sometimes throwing and smashing things. It can become physical towards other people or ourselves. Some people may withdraw when they become […]

26Jan

Can You Hear Me?

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” -George Bernard Shaw How many times have you heard “Talk to me for once!” or “I can’t communicate with you right now!” or “Are you even listening to me?” As a therapist in Orlando working with couples and families, I hear these […]

25Nov

Speaking Different Languages

A good friend recently asked me why her daughter was “acting out (being short, non-compliant, angry).” She explained, “I’ve done everything to make her happy. I buy her whatever she wants. No matter what I do for her she is still defiant, and seems unhappy. I’ve tried sitting her down and asking what’s going on, […]

11Nov

Children and Emotional Distress

One of the most challenging experiences for a parent is learning how to help a child in emotional distress.  A parent can feel overwhelmed and inadequate, when faced with the acute emotional distress of their child; especially when they try to respond by attempting to calm the child down or with problem solving…and it doesn’t work. Panic can […]

13May

Building Your Sound Relationship House: Part 7- Creating Shared Meaning

The final step in Gottman’s Sound Relationship House is Creating Shared Meaning. This area focuses on rituals of connection, roles, goals, and symbols for the couple. Gottman posits that each family creates its own unique culture. Within that family’s culture, different things, holidays, traditions, etc. hold great importance. For example, some families insist that dinnertime […]

16Apr

Building Your Sound Relationship House: Part 6- Making Dreams and Aspirations Come True

This aspect of Gottman’s Sound Relationship House focuses on partner’s helping each other achieve their goals, dreams, and aspirations. Not only do the partner’s listen and learn about what the other hopes to achieve, but they work on ways to help each other reach those goals.